Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Sixth-seeded Mardy Fish advanced into the second round of the Atlanta Tennis Championships with a straight-set win over Britain's James Ward on Monday.

The American, who brings some momentum into the tournament after winning his fourth career title in Newport on July 11, earned a relatively easy 6-1, 6-2 victory over the wild card.

With the win at Newport, the 28-year-old Fish jumped 30 spots to No. 49 in the ATP rankings and improved his match record to 24-11 this season with his victory over Ward.

In other first-round action on Monday, eighth-seeded Benjamin Becker of Germany was upset by American Michael Russell, 6-3, 6-3, while fellow countrymate Rajeev Ram defeated Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

Also on Monday, Ukraine's Illya Marchenko took a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) decision over Kristof Vliegen of Belgium, and Russia's Teimuraz Gabashvili took care of Germany's Rainer Schuettler in straight sets with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.

The tournament winner will receive $91,800.